//------------------------------// // Chapter 17: Just one of those days. // Story: A New Beginning // by Falinov //------------------------------// <><><><><>Few Months Later...<><><><><> Lots have changed over the course of the last few months, I guess you could say it's a bit more normalized-; Well as normalized as can be given the circumstances; However since my agreement with the night princess I have made fairly l large strides in understanding their language, scripture, and history in more than a few ways. Namely to do with all the conflicts that transpired after the last human passed away, Interestingly there were a ton of land disputes and territory claims that did not agree with the Princess’s and they went on to form many other nations in every cardinal direction across the globe spanning many generations. This Includes anything from Dragons, Griffons, Kirens, Tyvolans, Boreans and many many more species that exist across it. A far cry from the vast quantities of humans that once roamed the world. The same is inversely true with Luna; that day she met me in the dreamscape and we discussed how we would go about this mutual exchange; after some deliberation we came to a mutually beneficial agreement to meet at least twice a week along with routine communications through fire letters. Side note, imagine my shock and horror writing a really well written letter only to have Spike set it on fire… I about threw up at the thought of having to write it all over again. After that ordeal however, I have since kept in near constant communication with her and Celestia. Interestingly enough the two of them, after a long day, have on occasion come to me to vent about how much they hate royal court culture; a lot more openly than what I would expect such refined rulers would. Despite this place being under rule of what I’d call a monarchy system through way of the crown, the people really do have about as much say as a democracy- not only that but come to find out that Equestria extends a lot further than I initially suspected in terms of the span of their rule. Anyways; the two royal sisters have made it a habit to find time at the end of their “shifts” to come find me and almost always they manage to do so at the most inopportune time they can. One quick example, I was working the fields with Big Mac and suddenly at the end of the day Celestia teleported me straight from the field- covered in dirt, sweat, and blood- blood from when I whammed my knuckle into a steel plow head when my wrench slipped; essentially she teleported me during work to complain to me that some dumbass noble told her to essentially watch her weight. First off- I don’t expect anyone here to have sympathy for me, but I hope I earn it wholeheartedly when I tell you that, talking down what is essentially a deity with the power to control a solar entity at the flick of a horn. I can safely tell you that it is probably a worse feeling than an EOD unit disarming a short fused explosive. One second she believed me when I told her that she’s fine the way she is and then the next she's second guessing herself in a frenzy asking if I was lying all the while the temperature of the room seemed to be, suspiciously increasing. Mind you- I just came from a cornfield in nothing but a pair of overalls and a white shirt; the struggle was real. Fellas, it doesn't matter where you come from or what a woman looks like be it pony or human or whatever else exists- they don’t appreciate being called large- implied or otherwise. Of course that being said, Celestia is no different- for almost an hour straight she pleaded with me to be honest about her appearance using every trick in the book to make me slip up and tell her the truth; I have to admit suppressing my innermost thoughts is the hardest feat of deception I have undertaken in my life. So many times I wanted to say that she is large- Height wise, luckily this time my mouth didn't run faster than my thoughts. After the fact I did a little research on my own and found out that some paparazzi managed to snap a photo of Tia enjoying a cake- turns out the noble who slipped up didn’t intentionally mean to set her off- In truth the amount of cake Tia can down could put anyone in a cake eating contest to shame any day of the week at the drop of a hat. Naturally, I can’t say that to her or even think about it for the risk she might hear my thoughts and send me into orbit in a great ball of fire. I digress; Apart from things like that happening from time to time it’s been an eventful few months. On the less deadly side of things the lunar princess tends to visit in the middle of the night usually unannounced as not to draw attention, not that I honestly have been bothered by it. Other times she visits me in the dreamscape when she cannot make the trip in person. More often than not I end up at the castle for at least one of those visits, the sisters as such have granted me my own personal quarters and workshop to tinker away in after they found out about my side project with the copper wire, as I expected though, electricity is a relatively new thing they’ve discovered not too long prior to my awakening and my somewhat scarce knowledge of it has helped advance it somewhat from more than just a concept. Among other ponies to visit me, Ms.cosworth from the Canterlot archives has been stopping by more often when I am at the castle; of course after she found out I was the real deal, She didn’t quite eat her hat like she promised me; but she definitely apologized numerous times. More often than not she brings me every human related tome she can find and has me translate some of them for others to study- last month alone I translated four previously unknown writings that patched a few holes in textbooks, across the majority of universities in Canterlot and Manehattan…I wouldn’t have believed that was a city until someone actually showed me a map, I about died laughing at the prospect and play on words, not to mention that my role in Equestria ahs been relegated to a glorified living Rosetta stone. Lastly, as promised Storm did eventually show up about a month later, wearing full kit top to bottom, it was at this point I had some self doubts about which version of her I liked more, the armor certainly added a bad-ass factor to the mix... For some reason she looked extremely sleek in white fur and blue eyes and to me that transformation was cool. I should also mention that ever since that moment though word spread around the castle of my former military service and as such I have had some encounters with other stationed Royal Guards who seem to have quite a bit more respect for me than I would have previously expected. The ones that know who I am are mainly the guards stationed at the castle guarding the royals who have nothing better to do but stand guard and chat with me. Many of these guys often suggest why I don’t join the guard and serve with them. I usually respectfully decline before I change the subject. Made it through all that? Good, that about gets you up to speed to where I am currently. <><><><><><><><><><> I gently flip an old page of a book I borrowed from the Canterlot archives as the train I’m on rocks back and forth around the bends of the precarious mountain pass. Side note: when these ponies built the rail system, they couldn’t have built a more precarious looking route to the royal capital. No, let's build this bitch on the steepest, most remote pass we can find and then make it rock back and forth through multiple tunnels at a fairly high rate of speed- a definite 1 out of 10. The engineer at the head end of the train blows the whistle as we enter another tunnel the lanterns in the carriage rock back and forth casting an ominous yellow glow as I read these shriveled up pages when I hear gentle shuffling of hooves near me. While not uncommon now, I have managed to attain a sort of fan club and ponies that can be quite eager to see the only example of a human roaming the lands; it is not uncommon for them to sheepishly approach me and ask me a few questions or bring cameras that are the size of a laptop. I briefly take my focus off my book and look over my right shoulder to see a gray colored mare with a very well kept black mane and an enormous instrument case being dragged behind her, I notice that she has no horn. Impressively she has managed to drag it from the back of the train, the conductor following her trying to convince her that her instrument is perfectly safe in his hooves. “Miss, I assure you it will be perfectly safe in the hold, I had a spot prepared for it in advan-” He stands there for a moment processing what just happened. With a swish of her tail she dismisses him before placing the enormous instrument in the seat across from my own. The conductor turns around submitting to her and walking to the previous car griping the whole way muttering what I can only describe as expletives under his breath as he slams the door shut. Meanwhile this gray mare returns her attention to me; almost scanning me over, she seems to relax a bit before meekly raising her hoof towards the seat politely in such a way before saying a single word. “May I sit here?” She asks in what I can only describe as the cursive of speech. Admittedly this catches me off guard with how polite she treats me but how harsh she seemed towards the conductor literally seconds ago. “Uhm... Be my guest…” I attempt to bury my nose into the book and continue reading it, trying my best to not end up on the bad side of this mare that clearly demands the utmost respect. Carefully and quietly flipping through the pages I continue reading about the beginning of when ponies first started colonizing earth and truly cleaning the place up. Every time I glance over she seems to be looking away; unsurprisingly- I shuffle in my seat and move closer to the window to give her space, maintaining the stalemate quiet of this car as it moves over the treacherous pass, the sound of the wheels below clattering over joints in the track. “What was human music like?” I hear her gently and respectfully ask while she looks away, almost embarrassed to be even asking the question. “Beg your pardon?” I lower my book down, I don’t think it would be confusing is how i’d describe how off putting that question is- regardless. “That’s a good question, there was lots of music- tons of genres; Too many for me to honestly think of from classical to metal there's a lot of extremes in there.” I can’t help but chuckle slightly thinking I haven’t heard any music since the day the incident that put me here in the first place occurred. “Oh? Is that right. Fascinating-” She looks at me her ears are perked up and instantly she looks away with a tinge of red on her face. “F-forgive me. I did not mean to prod.” “What…? For what?” This question seems to take her back. “My outburst…” she says in a quieter tone. “I assure you, you didn’t bother me in the slightest; in fact ever since I started roaming between Canterlot and Ponyville, I’ve gotten a lot of ponies coming up to me to ask a host of questions.” I read a bit more of the page of the book. “I find it humbling to have people ask me about a world that's ten centuries gone-; Truthfully, I actually miss a lot of the music I used to listen to.” I think back to some good rock bands I used to listen to, some good rifts and good lyrics I remember rather fondly. ‘Those were the days…’ “I insist on it.” her ears are completely furled back and she looks truly distraught by such a simple inconvenience like even remotely speaking is a bad thing. “I insist it is not an issue for you to talk. I admittedly do not know your background but, asking someone a question isn’t stupid in the slightest. Thinking otherwise is unwise, In fact I find it rather pervasive to not ask someone about something they do not understand.'' I gingerly place a bookmark on a good stopping point and close the tome before placing it inside my black rucksack rarity made for me a couple weeks ago… (she complained of course because it wasn’t blingy enough…) With such elegance she quietly clears her throat and seems to work up the courage to actually face me. “I… I understand, I grew up in a family that expected us to be seen and not heard; to surpass the expectations set by my family and uphold the image of class… As a result we are all rather withdrawn from society.” She moves a few stray hairs from her face as she returns her gaze to the front of the car. “Now that; that I can see very clearly. Your personality reflects it clearly, but I presume that you mastered that instrument despite being neither a Pegasus or a unicorn. That in of itself is a feat of commendable talent and you should be proud of it. Obviously do not let it go to your head but choose your own path. Not one that someone else set before you.” I lean back in the seat putting my arms behind my head to support my neck. “Moving past that part and letting those teachings go and forging your own path will make each day feel a bit better than the last.” I relax, closing my eyes and trying to not focus on the cliffs directly outside the window. “I have never been told that before.” She sighs quietly even though her sigh is extremely muffled. I can tell that having someone telling them they can relax can make all the difference… Even to these ponies, for some as I've learned over the last few months, while this world is quite pleasant to live in there are still high society standards and turmoil for some. That seems to branch to even the highest of society- Royals included. “With no disrespect, I don’t think anyone has the courage to tell someone of your stature that- you give off quite an unapproachable aura.” I tilt my head with one eye open and look at her with a slight smile. “It’s completely understandable why they don’t.” I give a slight smile. “Do I really?” Her face suddenly looks more distraught with what almost looks like guilt. “Not intentionally, don’t let it bother you- uh… I didn’t catch your name.” I sit up straight. “Octavia… Octavia Melody.” She grimaces. “I’m so sorry where are my manners…” “You’re fine Octavia, relax.” I offer my hand to shake her hoof; she looks at it much like any pony these days until she extends her hoof out and I gently shake it, this seems to perplex her. “You have appendages much like that of a dragon.” She seems to drastically calm down. “So I've been told- repeatedly, yet I don’t understand how you earth ponies lift things or do anything with those. Science be damned, that being said; I am guessing that instrument in that case is a cello?” She seems to be immediately put at ease further and intrigued that I know such a thing. “How did you know that’s what it was? Did humans have cellos?” “Oh of course we had the cello, along with a plethora of other string instruments to choose from; However to be fair it was a lucky guess; I’m more impartial to a violin or a viola than anything else.” “That is incredibly fascinating, to think instruments like mine that have a history dating that far back is quite incredible.” For the first time this whole trip she seems to actually behave like a normal pony and ditch her shell and talk about her passion for classical instruments. I bet this will be a great conversation starter in the future. “Funny enough, that instrument predates me by many many centuries.” I chuckle. “How long have you been playing for?” “My whole life…” she almost sounds embarrassed to even tell me this. “Why do you sound not so happy about that?” “While I am a successful player, I was taught religiously how to play this instrument and a host of others; I didn’t get a normal fillyhood like other ponies I knew.” She seems upset for a split second before instantly perking her ears up. “N-not that I do not appreciate these skills of course! I wouldn’t trade the memories for anything!” I cannot help but chuckle a little bit at how flustered this mare that just commanded the respect of the entire car has basically melted into an embarrassed pool of emotions. “Calm yourself, I was just curious and meant nothing by it; I understand that situation quite well actually- few of my former friends were the exact same. Decisions dictated by their guardians. They end up making up for everything they missed out on in their childhood later in life. You’re still young and have plenty of life left in you to do just that.” “Yes… I suppose you’re right. No need to lose my composure over such… trivial things.” “Amen sister!” I kick back in my seat, putting my feet back up as much as I can before closing my eyes once more and relaxing. “If you do not mind one more question, where are you off to?” “Ah- I'm off to Canterlot castle for a routine visit with the royals.” I smile as I look at the roof of the car at the overhead baggage and sort of drift off in thought for a moment. My thoughts drifting to how all my friends would be pushing me to keep going and fulfill my duty to old earth. Honor and dignity should- Definitely now be my primary focus. To teach the present generation of ponies about what life was like then for them to pass along to their kin. Making a lasting impression on these folks to remember me as a genuinely good person before I inevitably kick the bucket in a handful of decades is seeming to become a top priority. “I’m still new to this world you guys have cultivated- that being said being possibly the last of my kind the Princesses are particularly interested- if I'm making an educated guess as to why that may be; I think it has to do with they may have someone who’s been around as long as they have and it helps them peer into the past a certain way, of course I am just guessing.” “Almost like myself, the pressure of your surroundings shapes your future.” “Birds of a feather flock together as they say.” With a brisk movement of her hoof over her mouth she gives a dignified giggle before returning her gaze forward and slumping in her seat for the remainder of the trip. “You seem like a good stallion Austin…” She has a warm smile. ‘Stallion, HA!’ Shut up you nagging voice in the back of my head… ‘Ey, don’t hate the player, hate the game.’ <><><><><>Some Time Later<><><><><> With a bit more reading and a wink of sleep, the train seems to lurch forward to a stop stirring me out of my light nap. I wake to find that Octavia has also managed to doze off… Directly across my lap. ‘Well ain't this a pickle.’ With the utmost care I gently slip my hand under her head and scoop her up into my arms and scoop her like a large dog; However upon realizing my mistake, I look over to the opposing seat across the isle her massive cello case. “NEXT STOP! VANHOOVER!” the conductor making his rounds through the cars he finally makes his way into mine and looks at me carrying this sleeping mare that previously roasted his ass in complete disbelief. As closely as I can I try to put my finger over my mouth to signal to keep quiet as possible. “Can you please help me get her instrument? I know she probably didn’t rub you the right way but I’ll make it worth your while.” I plead to his sense of kindness his white mustache twitches before levitating the case past my head levitating effortlessly behind him as he walks it out the door onto the platform with me following him close behind. With a flick of his horn he opens the door into the station and sets the instrument gently against the wall and looks back at me as I set her on a comfy bench. Somehow the hustle and bustle of this station has not woken her yet. With a quick rotation on my heel I look at him with a smile. “Thank you sir- as promised.” I reach into my satchel under my coat and pull out twenty gold bits. “Sir this is too much, I cannot accept…” He looks at me almost as if someone had just given him a bonus. “Please take it, I insist; if not for helping me then for her treatment of you… It was not polite but I understand her background but it is not fair to throw that upon hard working folk.” I push his hoof back and he smiles at me before tipping his cap and thanking me before getting back on the train. “ALL ABOOOARDDDD VANHOOVER!” he leans out of the car waving a lantern the train whistles before pulling out of the station in a puff of smoke. This causes Octavia to abruptly spring awake. “Where am I!? My cello!” She looks around for it frantically, her mane starting to show individual hairs. “Octavia…! OCTAVIA…” I try to get her attention as she is in full blown panic mode. “WHAT!?” She stops and plants her flank on the ground, realizing she’s making a scene. Almost like a thermometer her face grows more red from embarrassment. “Your cello is behind you. I’m not that irresponsible to leave such a valuable possession un-attended.” I calmly state while pointing at it, the polished black case glimmers in the sun rather conveniently. “Oh my Celestia… I am so sorry.” Her facial expression drops completely in such a way that I walk over to her and pat her on the head. “It’s fine, I get it. We got to the station. You passed out pretty hard to not wake up when I carried you in the station.” She seems to relax as soon as I pet her head and regain her composure. “T-thank you… Austin. I owe you.” “You don’t owe me a thing Octavia. I think that's what any friend would do.” I put my hands in my pockets. “Least I hope we’re friends.” “Of course!” She lifts her cello onto her back somehow. “I would be honored.” “Good- Unfortunately” I pull my hand out of my pocket and look at my watch before glancing back at her. “I have to get going, I mustn’t delay my arrival to the castle.” “I imagine the royal sisters would be none too happy upholding them.” She giggles. “You know it, I hope to run into you again soon Ms.Melody; It was a pleasure to meet you and make your friendship. I wish you the best in your journeys.” “To you the same.” She waves to me as I make my way out of the station into a line that I can only describe as something like customs… Naturally in a world of ponies that only average about three and a half feet at most; I stand out like a sore thumb. I adjust my backpack before I notice a few guards approaching me with spears in hand. “You there, your travel documents please...” He looks up at me impatiently, I pull my bag around to my chest and reach in and pull my signed documents. Not only are they signed, they’re signed by BOTH royals bearing their royal wax seals. I hand the assorted documents to them without hassle and they scan them over… And then again… And another for good measure… “This cannot be right, you have both of the royal seals. That is not only suspicious but how is it a freak like you has them...” He squints at me while his comrades look like they’re getting ready to skewer me like a shish kabob. “I’m a close friend of the royals on my weekly trip to the castle.” I raise a brow, keeping an eye on his comrades. “Where’s the other guards I usually deal with.” “Shut it. Like the royals would have any reason to deal with whatever you are. Come with us at once.” With a heavy sigh I step out of line- complying with their orders, the rest of the ponies there are now staring at the scene that is currently unfolding. Including Octavia who is in utter disbelief of the situation. “Move it.” One of them pushes me with the blunt end of the spear. “OI! Look fellas, don’t be pointing those pikes at me, lets not have any issues here.” “I said MOVE IT.” one of them electrifies it and shoves it squarely into my back. It immediately shocks the absolute shit out of me sending me to the ground. Instantly my vision turns red from the intense pain searing through my back as I fall to my knees, uncontrollably I start coughing intensely from the insane amount of voltage they just sent into me. ‘I tried to be polite...’ I put my right hand on the ground and push myself up onto my feet still coughing trying to regain my breath. One of the guards actually seems remorseful… For whatever reason he has that look on his face he’s probably right in assuming what’s about to happen is probably not going to end well. ‘Carve his eyes out and shove them so far up his ass he’s going to need a proctologist to read the fucking news paper…’ I don’t look good in orange. ‘Hold up; How do you know what color they are? You know what, Whatever you do you.' In one swift move I swiftly kick the pike out of the guards grasp to my immediate back- and the guy who zapped me in the first place. In a fraction of a second the pike is in the air I snatch out of the air before slamming the reinforced end of it into his helmet with a satisfying gonging noise. With a spin of the pike I turn my attention to the other two, Immediately deflecting their pikes and zapping the hell out of the other guard, putting him to the ground quickly. I turn my attention to the last one- he drops his pike staring at his fallen friends as he slowly backs away cautiously. “Let this be a lesson… Next time, don’t do that. Now… Go get your superior here- Right… Now...” I growl in such a tone before stabbing the pike into the ground with enough force to actually embed it into the cobblestone. He gets onto all fours and runs for his outpost full speed, slipping as he struggles to get his footing, while his comrades groan on the ground almost in pure agony; however they’re still alive probably regretting waking up this morning. I immediately clench my chest the shock from earlier starting to really burn. ‘Surprised you still have such restraint.’ It would look bad if I dropped bodies here… “So much for being civilized...” I turn around to see the crowd of ponies staring at what just transpired; they're all against the wall trying to get as far away from me as possible. Except Octavia who seems in complete shock as she makes eye contact with me. I nod my head to her trying to tell her that wasn’t supposed to happen. At that instant more guards flood into the station led by a stallion clad in purple armor. “Hold!” He commands as the rest of his troops move around me, ready to take me on. “Wait a minute…” He looks at me for a moment- “you’ve gotta be kidding me, you attacked the ONE human in Canterlot with a STUN pike.” he scolds the guard who ran for help who is practically cowering behind him. The purple armored pony approaches me quietly taking his helmet off with a pinkish purple aura revealing his deep blue mane. “You must be that human I heard from Twilight. Am I right?” “Yeah, who’s asking.” “My name is Shining Armor; Twilight Sparkles older brother and captain of the guard. I do apologize for them roughing you up… but it looks like you already gave them a taste of the pavers.” he almost sounds impressed by this as he holds his hoof in front of him as his guards scoop up the other two guards I incapacitated, I take his hoof and shake it politely. “Yeah- I was fine with following them and they jabbed me. I’ve only been here every week for the last three months. You'd think they’d know what I look like by now.” “Don't take it too personally we got a lot of new recruits fresh out of basic, a little too eager for action it seems.” “Oh, you don't say.” He laughs a bit. “Do you want my documents?” “Don’t bother, I know the royals are expecting you- in fact I believe you’re late. I’ll take responsibility for that though.” “How come I haven't seen you before?” “They have me everywhere lately with all the new threats coming to light lately and with the holidays coming up they are bumping security and I am the only one trained enough to inspect the troops right now until we get more officers out.” “Interesting, sounds like you got your hooves full.” “You have no idea. I’ll escort you to the castle from here so this doesn’t happen again.” “I appreciate it captain…” “You managed to disarm three armed guards and not kill them… I gotta say we could use that kind of talent in the guards… Have you perhaps considered joining?” “I haven't. I already did my time.” I give him a bit of a cold look before moving the straps of my bag and adjusting them before placing my hands in my pocket. As soon as I do my watch starts beeping at me notifying me I am now officially really late. “I can respect that, Twilight mentioned you’d done some time a long time ago; Uhm, What is that noise?” “It’s a miniature clock telling me I am late and should expect to get frantic worried letters here any minute.” “Then we shall make haste.” We both start jogging towards the castle at the top of the mountain above the city below. <><><><><><><><><><> “So… You’re telling me that you rather uncompromisingly slammed three royal guards into the ground after they stunned you for thinking you had forged royal seals. Am I summarizing this correctly.” Celestia looks over me and Shining Armor, her gaze practically burning holes in either of us. “I don’t know if I should be happy that border security is being enforced… or disappointed they didn’t recognize such a high profile guest.” Her words are ice cold as she trots back and forth her hoof guards clanging on the polished marble floor. “That’s about the short and sweet of it…In my defense I didn’t know what was going through their minds, but after they jabbed me for complying I was forced to defend myself...” Shining Armor interjects immediately. “Your majesty with all due respect I take full responsibility for those stallions' behavior towards such an important VIP… I know Twilight would also be scolding me and I will do better to make sure all guards have a bulletin to recognize one as such… They were vastly out of line and I feel they need to be sent back to basic for re-evaluation.” “I accept your apology Captain, however I will leave the fate of those three guards to Austin as he is the one who was attacked.” her gaze seems to soften as she looks at me with a voice in my head other than my own echoes. ‘If it were just Luna, she would have strung those stallions by their genitals…’ Celestia's voice echoes in my head I shutter at the thought of Luna ruthlessly doing exactly that without a second thought. “No… I think the embarrassment they received promptly after was more than enough. However I do feel they could benefit from a bit more training as Shining Armor suggested.” “Very well, It will be done. You may go, captain.” he nods quietly before rising to his hooves and leaving the throne room, his hoof steps getting more faint before the giant throne room door clashes shut, leaving a rather eerie feeling in the room. “Seems you have had quite a productive day, hmmm?” Celestia strolls on over brushing my head with her wing before sitting down right beside me, her wings draped open as I stay where I am. “You may rise you know… No need to be so formal…” She cranes her neck as she looks down at me. “I can’t…” I smile sheepishly as the burning sensation is now at its apex. “Why?” She blinks as she’s completely clueless. “The pain may, or may not be, starting to catch up to me.” With the wisp of her wing she pulls me to her side wrapped snugly under her soft wing followed by the golden aura of her magic around my back as the pain starts to subside. “I haven’t perfected healing magic on humans before so forgive me if I don’t quite get it right.” “It already feels a lot better… What I wouldn’t have given for having that ability- would have saved me years of agony in rehab.” “Mmm, I am sure- in any case you seem to show quite a bit of mercy and compassion for those who have caused you such agony, these are traits of a good ruler you know.” She teases me with a sly wink. “Don’t take it as me tolerating their blunder, make no mistake- I could have dropped bodies in that station, but at the end of the day what kind of impression would that leave on these people across your lands that I am a cold blooded murderer who gets royal treatment after being attacked. I’m not insinuating that's how it would go- but it’d be a bad image for everyone; including you.” “Words said from someone very wise Indeed, Also very perceptive- we do not need any public disasters right now.” “Speaking of, the captain mentioned there's certain things going on?” “We received word there was some activity reported in the wandering woods… the Changeling Hives are more active as of recent according to our intelligence reports...” she says with a slight grimace. “This means what exactly? Do you expect war?” “I’m going to be honest with you; I don’t know what to expect of them, they’re extremely unpredictable- but their lust for feasting on the emotions of ponies across the world is well known.” “They feed on emotions?” I grimace at the sheer thought of emotions being ripped from the body violently as they feed on them leaving a blank corpse behind. “Ponies in general any form of emotion can be consumed by a changeling, however they are strongest, feeding off love and affection. Pure love from them is the most powerful form of magic, in a way it gives many Unicorns, myself included vast quantities of power and purpose.” “So the most powerful unicorn in Eques… Would be you and Luna- if they got their hooves on you two-” “They’d theoretically be unstoppable.” She has a slight look of concern- a bit of a rarity to be sure and a rather unsettling one. “Hence the concern lately over protecting our people. Not to mention as their name implies they can change appearance on a whim.” “I’m sure it will work itself out, you’ve been ruling over this world for a very long time, I’m sure you have had some experience with handling major issues like this before right?” “Approximately three centuries ago we dealt with a major invasion when the last hive queen attempted to take over the world, it started small and like a forest fire, exploded practically overnight.” Her tone shifts drastically as her wing goes limp on my back, I look up and see a guilty look on her face here eyes closed as those memories seem to flow forth. “Many subjects perished and I have to carry their memories with me forever.” “You cannot blame yourself for being put into a situation you thought you didn’t have an out of… I don’t see anyone holding it against you; I certainly understand that holding over a millennia worth of history on your back is no small feat.” “Life has a tendency to throw us into the worst possible situations to test how we fair in the face of uncertainty.” She seems to regain her composure before standing up and walking over to a nearby window overlooking Canterlot to Ponyville and beyond. “It’s not that that I am worried about my friend; it’s if this threat comes true and I am captured and my power taken, my worry is Luna will slip back into darkness after all the progress she has made.” “I see…” With a heavy heart I let out a sigh before standing up fully. “I know it's no consolation but, while I am around I won’t let her lapse backwards, I’ll do my best to prevent that. I owe her that much for her kindness that she has shown me.” I stand beside her sharing the view, I put my hand on the back of her head, her wings droop, she seems to calm down before she starts smiling again rather warmly. “She trusts you- faithfully; you’ve made an impression on her that I don't think very many would…” “She’s certainly unique in that regard; Speaking of… Where is she?” “She should be waking up soon to take over for the night- Although she could be sleeping in again. I take it you don’t need me to show you where her chambers are.” “Nah- I can manage, but please Tia, don’t let this bother you. You’re an incredibly powerful deity among these people who rely on you to keep them safe. If this does come to be a threat I know you will be able to handle it.” “I appreciate your faith in me, young human.” “Don’t flatter me, I’m not that young-” “Hmmm, I suppose you’d be right actually- considering you were here before myself and Luna arrived.” She gives quite an opulent laugh before returning her gaze to the distance, smiling warmly as the sun begins to set. “Was that supposed to make me feel better?” “I jest, I jest!” She teases before standing up with her wings tucked back to her sides; “Do send my regards to Lulu for me~” I roll my eyes before walking to the nearby door that leads into the great hall that branches to the stairs leading to the upper floors of the castle. After a short trek down some maze-like hallways that I have definitely not gotten lost in before; I reach an ornate blue door with a moon across both sides with two night guards standing at attention. Their armor reminiscent of the praetorian guard clad in black and purplish blue accents spears held forward between their wings and body, their heads covered by a full face helmet and dragon like fins adorned all the way down the crests of their necks. “Evening gentlemen.” as I casually approach they step aside to allow me room to walk by. “Greetings Sir- You’re late.” One of them turns on his hooves and opens the door for me with a joking smile. “I know, there were complications at the station.” “So we heard- typical overzealous new guys.” “They did their jobs without knowing; it was bound to happen sometime. Have a good evening gentlemen.” They nod before giving me a salute and returning to their static positions. Upon entering the doors and closing them behind me I look up at the vast spiral stairs leading to the top. ‘Stairs…’ <><><><><><><><><><> Upon reaching the top of the stairs I am greeted by another ornate set of doors, I reach my hand out to knock gently on it before I crack one door open open gently and peering into her room, its completely blacked out, all the curtains closed, only a small fire is wafting in the fireplace casting an ominous yet soothing glow to the room. I push the door open a bit further and enter quietly closing the door behind me, Immediately my nostrils are hit with a pungent scent of moon flowers from the nearby table, I take my coat off and gently fold it over my arm and place it on the nearby table. Looking to my immediate left up a small flight of stairs beside a giant observatory window that is currently sealed shut by curtains is a white crescent shaped bed; much to my relief Luna is asleep cuddled up to a big pillow wrapped in a star covered blanket gently snoring, one of her wings hanging off the side of the bed haphazardly, her breathing moving the blanket up and down rhythmically as she snoozes peacefully. ‘Top ten cutest things i’ve seen.’ With some haste I take my boots off before quietly making my way up the elegant set of marble stairs and coming to the base of her bed and sitting on the edge beside her. With a gentle nudge I move her wing back to her side so I don’t sit on it by accident. “N-no Tia… no… more………cake” She rolls over in her sleep her hooves kick slightly. “I can not indulge…. In another….bite…” ‘Dawwwww, just makes your heart melt.’ I put my hand upon her head gently scratching behind her ear, instinctively her hoove starts kicking uncontrollably followed by a pleasurable moan before she suddenly rolls back over directly over the top of my hand snuggling her face into it, her mane isn’t its usual flowing assortment of stars, rather just a static pale baby blue. ‘Well that was not your smartest move huh wiseguy.’ What! It was too adorable not to… “Princess…?” I take my hand and gently pat her side. “It’s time to wake up, the ponies wait for your beautiful moon to rise.” “I don’t want to…” She groggily murmurs in her sleep. “Ah-ha, so you are awake- you have to though, your subjects need you and Tia needs to sleep soon~.” I pat her side and rock her a bit to help stir her. “Hmmm…” She doesn’t open her eyes. “You keep scratching my ear like this, I will request leave of absence just to make this last longer…” She doesn’t open her eyes but her wing fully clasps to her side followed by her finally opening her eyes, only being slightly illuminated by the fire below. “Luna; I don’t think Tia would appreciate that. She’d probably allow it but cut her some slack.” “Indeed, but she would understand if she knew how peaceful I am feeling at this moment.” “Well all things are best in moderation princess, time to get your flank up and get to work so you can enjoy it again tomorrow.” “You’re no fun…” She gently lifts her head from my hand and rolls over, flipping her blanket off her. She has a severe case of bed-head as she leans forward, stretching her forehooves followed by her wings as she yawns. I get up and walk back down the marble stairs to her dresser and grab her mane brush, after a short second she hops off the top level above me and glides down elegantly before trotting over and sitting beside the dresser with me. Her mane is starting to change color to its traditional deep blue and shimmering star pattern as she wakes up. I take the brush and start smoothing it out as she levitates her crown on her head and her regalia. Without a second thought she moves her tail to my hands and allows me to brush that straight. “How was your trip to the castle my friend.” She looks over her shoulder instantly and I feel a slight shiver down my back. “There were… complications, but I made a new friend.” “Hmmm?” She smiles, as I finish up brushing her and setting the brush back on the dresser. “I’m sure you will find out about what happened, it was interesting though.” “Heh, Everything you do brings attention, much like Tia and myself. Thank you for brushing my mane.” She shakes her head and it starts moving on its own like a spectral wind blowing it around. “I know you like it when someone else brushes it for you, I think I've gotten to know you well enough to know that much.” “I also only allow two to scratch my ears, you should feel quite honored.” She smirks at me before using her magic to tie her handkerchief around her neck. “Oh I’m honored indeed. However I am also glad you aren't throwing me out the window like last month when some noble pissed you off and you let your anger boil over.” “I told you I was sorry…” her ears fold to the back of her head. “And I told you it was fine- but I am not letting it go because it's funny now.” “You have such an interesting perspective of what you find humorous, human…” “Always- anyways get going you must do your job. Do you have a night court session tonight?” “Unfortunately; but before I let Tia go to sleep we must call a summit meeting with a few other nations in regards to the current threat to the west…” “Tia told me about that… I hope all goes well.” “I would be honored if you accompanied me to listen to the debate if it is no burden.” “I am here at your request Princess; it’s no burden at all.” “Then please be my esteemed guest at the summit tonight Austin.” “It would be my pleasure.”